Encompass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Encompass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to including or containing various elements or aspects within a whole. Example: "The project aims to encompass a wide range of topics, from environmental issues to social justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Were the system Fifa is proposing to restrict itself merely to offside decisions, or questions of whether a foul took place in or outside the area, it might be quite useful, although one suspects it would soon enough encompass other areas of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Target's decision also reinforces the concept that games are for kids and that adult depictions of violence and adult themes aren't appropriate in a medium that is rapidly growing to encompass all ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

We wanted Britain to become a centre of excellence and to encompass all that is good about the arts; to strive for excellence, to create something new and sometimes out of nothing, to work together and to be proud of our contribution.

The Guardian

In Glasgow, for instance, you could encompass all the schools that range in a sprawling north-east stretch from Glasgow Cross to the Baillieston lights and designate this worthy of special and accelerated government measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an alternative political bloc meant to encompass now-independent Soviet republics, with Moscow rather than Brussels as the dominant pole.

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as their main sites, many universities also encompass one or more secondary campuses, usually in a much smaller town.

The Guardian

The IoT would encompass our homes, our cars, our offices, our agricultural fields and more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Opera houses encompass huge endeavour, so learn how the house works and what jobs people do in it.

The Guardian

Strangest of all these strangenesses, though, was the revelation in the week I finished the book, that its originating dream of a glossary of landscape-language so vast it might encompass the world had, almost, come true.

The Guardian - Books

A formal investigation by the standards commissioner would help shed light on these matters, which encompass the period before the House of Commons was dissolved".

The Guardian

People who have never heard of John Stuart Mill believe it is better for an individual to encompass their own destruction rather than for society to compromise with the "evil of allowing others to constrain him for what they deem to be his good".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encompass" when you want to convey a sense of comprehensive inclusion or coverage. It's particularly effective when describing the scope of a project, plan, or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "encompass" when a simpler verb like "include" or "contain" would suffice. "Encompass" is most effective when highlighting the comprehensive nature of the inclusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "encompass" is a transitive verb. It signifies the action of including or surrounding something comprehensively. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing the scope or range of a subject or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "encompass" functions as a transitive verb used to express comprehensive inclusion. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English across a spectrum of contexts, from news and media to formal business and scientific writing. While the term is commonly used, writers should consider the nuances between "encompass" and simpler alternatives such as "include" or "cover", as well as considering other alternative phrases. The choice depends on the intended emphasis on comprehensive scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Include

Refers to containing something as part of a whole, similar to "encompass" but generally less comprehensive.

Comprise

Indicates what something is made up of, focusing on the components rather than the boundaries.

Cover

Implies dealing with or including a range of topics or areas, often in a less complete way than "encompass".

Embrace

Suggests including something willingly or enthusiastically, adding a sense of acceptance or support.

Incorporate

Means to include something as a part or ingredient, suggesting a more integrated inclusion.

Consist of

Indicates the elements that make up something, similar to "comprise" but more descriptive.

Take in

Suggests absorbing or including something, often with a sense of protection or understanding.

Circumscribe

Means to define the limits or boundaries of something, implying a more restricted scope.

Surround

Suggests being on all sides of something, physically or metaphorically, emphasizing enclosure.

Integrate

Means to combine or blend into a unified whole, focusing on cohesion and harmony.

FAQs

How can I use "encompass" in a sentence?

Use "encompass" when you want to express that something includes or covers a wide range of elements or aspects. For example, "The project aims to encompass a wide range of topics." You can find more examples from reliable sources through Ludwig.

What are some alternatives to "encompass"?

You can use alternatives like "include", "cover", or "comprise" depending on the context. These alternatives offer slightly different nuances in meaning.

Which is correct, "encompass" or "includes"?

Both "encompass" and "includes" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Encompass" suggests a more comprehensive inclusion, while "includes" simply indicates that something is part of a whole. Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "encompass" and "surround"?

"Encompass" means to include completely, while "surround" means to be on all sides of something. While both words can describe a kind of inclusion, "encompass" focuses on content, and "surround" focuses on physical or metaphorical boundaries.